Formative Assessment Strategies
Effective teaching requires constant feedback about student understanding. Formative assessment strategies help you gather real-time information about student learning so you can adjust your teaching in the moment. These quick, practical techniques require minimal preparation but provide maximum insight into what your students actually understand and where they need support.
Quick Check-In Techniques (1-3 minutes)
Exit Tickets
- 3-2-1: 3 things learned, 2 questions, 1 connection
- Rate your understanding: 1-5 scale with explanation
- One word that describes today’s learning + why
During-Lesson Checks
- Thumbs up/down for understanding
- Show me on fingers (1-5) your confidence level
- Think-Pair-Share responses
- Whiteboards for quick answers
Digital Tools
- Kahoot for engagement and review
- Padlet for collecting responses
- Google Forms for quick polls
- Mentimeter for real-time feedback
Weekly Formative Assessment Planner
Day | Strategy | Purpose | Follow-up Action |
Monday | Entry ticket | Assess prior knowledge | Adjust lesson pacing |
Tuesday | Mid-lesson check | Monitor understanding | Provide immediate clarification |
Wednesday | Peer assessment | Student self-reflection | Group students for Thursday |
Thursday | Exit ticket | Evaluate lesson objective | Plan Friday review |
Friday | Weekly reflection | Overall progress check | Weekend planning |
